Should You Buy the Valve Index in 2025? Our Straightforward Advice

Valve’s Index headset has been a standout in the PC VR space for quite some time. However, as we step into 2025, is it still a wise purchase given its age? Let’s delve into it.

### Valve Index: A Pass for 2025

Having used the Valve Index as my primary VR headset over the years, I’d advise against purchasing it in 2025, especially given its hefty price tag of $1,000 for the full set. While it boasts some standout features like its exceptional audio, factors such as its cost, bulkiness, and dated technology make it a tough sell for most users today.

For those hunting for a stellar PC VR experience, my pick is the Quest 3. It blends affordability, user-friendliness, and visual sharpness seamlessly. Its lenses stand out in terms of clarity, offering a larger sweet spot, and its resolution is markedly sharper than that of the Index. Plus, with Quest 3’s excellent inside-out tracking capabilities, you avoid the hassle of setting up base stations, necessary with the Index.

To improve your experience with the Quest 3, consider a headstrap upgrade. Options like the ANNAPRO Battery Head Strap enhance comfort and offer the added benefit of an integrated battery that balances the headset, perfect for extended gaming sessions.

A major plus for Quest 3 is its ability to function wirelessly for PC VR. Thanks to Valve’s Steam Link app, accessing SteamVR games without a cable is straightforward. The Quest 3 not only offers a standalone VR experience, but for less graphically demanding games, it proves to be an incredibly convenient and portable option.

However, to make the most of the Quest 3’s wireless capability, an optimal network setup is crucial. Your gaming rig should connect directly to your router via ethernet. Aim for a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router at the very least, though Wi-Fi 6 or 6E (802.11ax) would be ideal. If an upgrade is needed to support your wireless VR ambitions, consider investing in one of these. Ideally, keep your router in the same room where you’re gaming. A slight distance is okay, but closer is better for a seamless experience.